News Summary
Construction has started on a new state prison in Lincoln, Nebraska, designed to replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary. The facility will feature 1,512 beds, improved safety measures, and expanded inmate programs. Funded by a legislative appropriation, the project highlights Nebraska’s push for criminal justice reform and modernization of its correctional system. The contractor, Hausmann Construction, has been tasked with completing the construction within 1,110 days, with an expected completion date in August 2028.
Nebraska Begins Construction of New 1,512-Bed Prison in Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska—Construction on a new state prison with 1,512 beds has officially started, marking a significant step in replacing Nebraska’s aging Nebraska State Penitentiary. The project aims to enhance correctional facilities’ capacity, safety features, and inmate programming options.
Initial Construction Activities and Contract Details
On Wednesday, early signs of construction were observed at the designated site located north of Interstate 80, near North 70th Street, close to Lincoln. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) confirmed that efforts had commenced the week prior, with crews clearing weeds and grass to prepare the area for further development. This marks the official beginning of construction efforts, which follows the finalization of a construction contract worth $312,259,000 with Hausmann Construction.
Hausmann Construction, a Lincoln-based firm, was selected as the contractor through a bidding process, submitting the lowest bid among three major proposals. The other submitted bids included a joint venture between Sampson Construction and Caddell Construction at $344.3 million and a joint effort of Clark Construction and MCL Construction at $341 million.
Funding and Project Timeline
The project’s funding is secured through a $350 million legislative appropriation provided by the Nebraska Legislature. Officials have assured that the construction will stay within the allocated budget. Hausmann has been given 1,110 days to substantially complete the prison, with an anticipated finish date around mid-August 2028.
Pre-Construction and Project Management
A Hausmann spokesperson indicated that a meeting with state officials is scheduled for Friday to discuss pre-construction details and finalize planning efforts. As the project advances, Nebraska’s correctional officials will continue to assess the progress to ensure efficiencies and adherence to budget and timeline expectations.
Purpose and Benefits of the New Facility
The new prison is designed to address existing overcrowding issues and improve safety measures for staff. It will provide additional bed capacity along with space for inmate programs that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. The facility’s modern safety features aim to better protect both staff and inmates.
Context and Related Developments
While construction begins, Hausmann Construction remains involved in ongoing legal matters related to a separate project—the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center in Iowa—alleging non-payment and damage to reputation. Nonetheless, Nebraska officials emphasized that their project’s bids were well below the construction costs seen in other states, indicating potential cost savings.
Financial and Planning Background
To date, Nebraska has dedicated approximately $33.8 million for land acquisition and initial design work, which was carried out by Omaha-based firm DLR Group. The current efforts build on this foundation, now moving into active construction.
The ongoing project reflects Nebraska’s commitment to modernizing its correctional system, with the new facility expected to serve as a cornerstone for state-level criminal justice reform and capacity management in the coming decades.
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Additional Resources
- Nebraska Examiner: Hausmann Construction Chosen for New Prison
- KLKN TV: Nebraska Accepts $313 Million Bid for New Prison
- Journal Star: New Nebraska Prison Update
- Wikipedia: Prison Reform in the United States
- Google Search: Nebraska Prison Construction
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
